Dhaka: The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its political allies are preparing to launch a nationwide protest campaign amid growing discontent over the interim government’s failure to announce a clear timeline for national elections.
The protests, expected to stretch through May, will include rallies and public meetings across the country, with BNP leaders demanding the immediate restoration of democratic processes and the right to vote.
At the centre of the party’s agenda is a call for the interim administration, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, to announce a definitive election date.
According to local media outlet UNB, the BNP is planning a large-scale rally in Dhaka in the coming weeks, during which it is expected to issue an ultimatum to the interim government to declare the poll schedule.
In a televised address to the nation on March 25, Chief Advisor Yunus stated that national elections would be held sometime between December 2025 and June 2026.
He also mentioned that the Consensus Commission, a body formed to facilitate political reforms, is currently consulting stakeholders across the spectrum.
However, BNP leaders have criticised the statement, calling it vague and insufficient.
“The absence of a clear election roadmap is deeply concerning and reveals a serious lack of political experience on the part of the interim government,” said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.
Party leaders allege that the interim government is deliberately attempting to extend its stay in power by delaying the elections.
“There is growing public frustration and resentment,” a senior BNP leader warned, adding that instability could worsen if polls are not held by December this year.
BNP acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has also levelled accusations at the Yunus-led administration, claiming it is contributing to political instability and spreading confusion through inconsistent messaging.
“We are witnessing contradictory statements from officials on restoring people’s rights. This ambiguity has triggered unrest in many regions,” he said at a recent party gathering.
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The BNP had earlier expressed skepticism about the likelihood of elections being held within the current year, accusing the interim government of engineering delays under the guise of reform and consultation.
The political consensus that had unified several parties during the ousting of the Awami League government and former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024 now appears to be unravelling.
As Bangladesh navigates a prolonged period of uncertainty, even leaders who had initially backed Yunus are beginning to express disillusionment with his leadership, particularly over the absence of concrete electoral progress more than seven months into the transition.
